You took the SAT, you got a 1250, and now you want to know one thing: is that good? The short version is yes — a 1250 is a strong, above-average score that opens doors at a wide range of colleges.
Quick answer: A 1250 SAT score is good. It sits around the 81st percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than roughly four out of five test takers. It makes you competitive at many solid public and private universities, though the most selective schools typically look for higher.
What a 1250 means in percentiles
The SAT is scored from 400 to 1600, and the national average usually lands near 1050. A 1250 is roughly 200 points above that average. In percentile terms it falls around the 81st percentile (percentiles shift slightly year to year, so treat this as approximate and confirm with the College Board).
If you want to double-check how your section scores combine into that 1250, run them through our SAT Score Calculator for a quick estimate.
The section breakdown matters
Two students can both score 1250 with very different profiles — say 650 Reading & Writing and 600 Math, or the reverse. Many programs care about the balance. STEM-focused majors often weigh the Math section more heavily, while humanities programs may look closely at Reading & Writing. Know your split, not just your total.
Which colleges fit a 1250?
A 1250 is competitive at a large number of well-regarded universities, including many flagship state schools and selective private colleges. It may be below the median for the most selective institutions, which often see middle-50% ranges starting around 1450 or higher.
The smartest move is to compare your 1250 to the middle 50% SAT range of each school on your list:
- Above the school's median? You are a strong applicant on the testing side.
- Within the range? You are competitive; other parts of your application will tip the balance.
- Below the range? Still possible, especially with a strong GPA — and worth considering test-optional applications.
Is 1250 good for you?
"Good" is relative to your goals. For a student targeting state universities and many private colleges, 1250 is genuinely strong. For someone aiming at the most selective schools, it may be a starting point to build on. Either way, remember that admissions is holistic: your transcript and course rigor often matter as much as your test score.
Keep your academic profile in view with our GPA Calculator, and if an application asks for a percentage equivalent, the GPA to Percentage Calculator makes the conversion easy.
SAT score percentile snapshot
It helps to see a 1250 next to nearby scores. The table below uses approximate nationally representative percentiles, which shift slightly each year:
| SAT total | Approx. percentile | Quick read |
|---|---|---|
| 1100 | ~58th | Slightly above average |
| 1200 | ~74th | Above average |
| 1250 | ~81st | Strong |
| 1300 | ~86th | Very good |
| 1400 | ~94th | Excellent |
As you can see, a 1250 already clears the four-fifths mark. Moving up to 1300 would add only a handful of percentile points, while a jump to 1400 would put you in the top tier — useful context when deciding whether another attempt is worth it.
Superscoring and retaking
Many colleges superscore the SAT, combining your highest Reading & Writing result and your highest Math result from different test dates into a single total. Because of this, a retake rarely hurts and can only lift your superscore. If you test again and improve even one section, your best combined total can rise. Always confirm each school's policy, since some use your single best test date instead. Before registering for another attempt, use our SAT Score Calculator to model how a stronger section would change your total.
How to push past 1250
If you want to climb toward 1300 or higher, a focused plan can get you there. Identify your weaker section, practice with timed full-length tests, and review every mistake. Our full guide on how to raise your SAT score walks through the process step by step. Even a modest gain can move you up several percentile points.
Key takeaways
- 1250 is an above-average SAT score, around the 81st percentile.
- It is competitive at many strong public and private universities.
- Compare it to each target school's middle-50% range to judge fit.
- Your section balance and GPA matter alongside the total.
- A focused study plan can move you toward 1300+ if you want more.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1250 a good SAT score?
Yes. A 1250 is well above the national average of about 1050 and sits around the 81st percentile, meaning you scored higher than roughly 80% of test takers. It is competitive at many strong colleges.
What percentile is a 1250 SAT score?
A 1250 falls around the 81st percentile nationally. Percentiles shift slightly each year, so check the College Board's current tables for the exact figure.
What colleges can I get into with a 1250 SAT?
A 1250 is competitive at many flagship state universities and selective private colleges. Compare it to each school's published middle-50% range to gauge your chances; it may be below the median at the most selective schools.
Is 1250 good enough for scholarships?
It can be. Many merit scholarships consider scores in this range, especially when paired with a strong GPA. Requirements vary by school and program, so check each one's criteria.
Should I retake the SAT if I got 1250?
Only if your target schools expect higher and you have time to prepare. If 1250 is at or above the median for your list, it may be fine as is. Otherwise, a focused study plan can help you improve.
Is 1250 better than the average ACT score?
A 1250 SAT concords to roughly a 26 on the ACT, which is above the ACT national average. You can estimate an ACT result with our ACT Score Calculator to compare.
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